IDK, My BFF Excel.

Excel, Google spreadsheets or good ol’ pen and paper can help you wrassle that budget into submission.

I started by identifying the constant expenses in my life, such as taxes, health care and car insurance. Then I moved on to utilities, bills, gas and groceries.

Finally, I included the more flexible costs, like fun activities and personal grooming. While beauty products like shampoo and conditioner are non-negotiable, I don’t need to spend $35 every week to get my feet tickled by a manicurist while she gossips about me in a foreign language. (I can see you pointing and laughing at me, woman!)

A budget will help you differentiate between the “wants” and the “needs” in your life.

There will be times when you stray from your budget. A vet bill here, because your dog ate a foot of lamp wire (true story,) or a weak moment in Nordstrom Rack there, because it would be financially irresponsible not to buy those Tory Burch flats at half price.